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Fuel gauge troubleshooting

Tiny
RD66
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 KIA SPECTRA
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 160,000 MILES
Is the power wire on my fuel gauge supposed to get power when the key is off? The sender does not send a signal when the key is off, but I noticed the power wire has 12v with the key on or off. If I pull the room fuse it stops getting power when the key is off. (The gauge works fine). I'm just concerned this will cause a problem like a parasitic draw.
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Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 AT 10:04 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,576 POSTS
I think you are seeing phantom power if you are using a meter. Try using a test light and see if it lights on the same circuit. Service information shows the Black wire going to a ground and the pink wire as the signal feed so it would read the difference in the resistance in the sender unit as the actual signal to the cluster. The power to the gauge comes from the cluster itself which is powered on full time as it is also part of the keyless entry and security systems. It shouldn't cause an issue though as it shouldn't be drawing much current.
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 AT 9:34 AM
Tiny
RD66
  • MEMBER
  • 61 POSTS
I tested it with a meter and a test light. It's getting 12v with the key on and off. It seems to be working though.
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Wednesday, April 20th, 2022 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,576 POSTS
I suspect it is normal although I don't know of a reason why it would need power with it off. However, Kia doesn't put a lot into their service information about it.
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Thursday, April 21st, 2022 AT 5:02 AM

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